BIOFEEDBACK THERAPY IN RECTAL PROLAPSE PATIENTS

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of perioperat ive biofeedback training on postoperative continence in patients with rectal prolapse. METHODS: Thirty-six consecutive patients were operate d on between 1987 and 1993. Twenty-nine could be traced for reexaminat ion. Four were excluded because of a recurring prolapse. Anal manometr y, assessment of rectoanal sensation, and surface electromyography wer e performed during the reexamination. From 1987 to 1991, no perioperat ive biofeedback training was given (Group 1, n = 14). Since the beginn ing of 1992, incontinent patients were given biofeedback training (Gro up 2, n = II). RESULTS: Continence scores improved in both study group s. Both study groups had equally low resting pressures compared with G roup 3 (controls) (30.6 +/- 14.9 vs. 53.0 +/- 11.9 mmHg; P < 0.001). A nal resting pressure correlated with postoperative continence score, w hereas contractile pressures did not (1 = -0.5, P < 0.05, and I = -0.3 , P = not significant, respectively). CONCLUSION: Biofeedback therapy can improve the function of external sphincter; however, the: most imp ortant reason for postoperative incontinence in rectal prolapse patien ts is low resting pressure that cannot be corrected by biofeedback the rapy.